Bedford Harriers Oakley 12 & 20Here's how RW members rated this race in the past (458 votes). 2010 race reviewed by: Ian Dodge
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Great course, very scenic, pleasantly undulating, enough runners for atmosphere, superb organisation
In full: I loved it last year and came back for more. Almost forgot why; but start running and the reasons came back. Good start venue. Friendly atmosphere. Really liked the two loops. The daffodils. The bridges. The villages. The views. There seemed to be more downhill bits than up. Most races have a really boring bit but the course kept your interest really nicely. Superb organisation. No rain and a bit of sun. It's the only 20 mile race I've ever done, on route to what I hope is my second marathon - and I absolutely loved it. Well done and thank you.
Date of review: March 29, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: Jim B
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Thanks to Bedford Harriers and all the marshalls and helpers. As enjoyable as a 20 mile run can be.
Date of review: March 29, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: Paul Harrington 2
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Excellent race, really well organised
In full: Ran like clockwork (the event, not me!). Hundreds of really enthusiastic marshalls providing great support.
Date of review: March 29, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: Kursaal Flyer
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Excellent preparation run for London marathon. Friendly, helpful marshalls.
Date of review: March 29, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: wayne smith
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Well run, friendly marshalls, great hoody. Good marathon prep
Date of review: March 29, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: 2btiny
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Lovely Race!! Excellent organization & superb, encouraging marshalling.
In full: My first time running this and was enormously impressed. The organization was excellent. The hoodie is great. Thank you to a team of superb marshalls. All were very encouraging & supportive. Well manned water stations.
The route was scenic and rural. This is not a hilly course, the undulations were pleasant with nothing too steep or too long. A really good Spring marathon preparation race.
I shall DEFINATELY be back!
Date of review: March 29, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: Born2Run
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 40% |
In short: Great for those training for a spring or the London marathon!
In full: This is my second Oakley 20 and although the thought of running 20 miles fills me with dread, the scenery and the very smart hoodie, makes it worth the pain.
As always the organisation, courtesy of Beds Harriers, was slick and smooth, and their encouragement was very welcome from mile 15 onwards.
I do have one gripe (well two): Firstly, the number of runners who ignored requests from the marshals to "keep to the left" and, secondly, those wearing head/earphones of which one or two I had to barge past because when I (very politely) asked 'excuse me' they couldn't hear me.
And to respond to the person who complained about not knowing where the water was located at the finish, or where to collect her hoodie, all the details were provided in the information sheet that accompanied your race number.
Date of review: March 29, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: willidh
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Tough course made easier with excellent organisation
In full: This was the third time I have run the Oakley 20 - and it doesn't get any easier! I was surprised to get a PB this year as I started the race knackered!
The start was delayed a little - probably due to the long queue to drop of bags. I would encourage people to turn up really early - for the bag drop and car parking.
Once underway the race was well marshalled and the regular water stops were appreciated. As always, the last 1/2 mile through the housing estate was frustrating - but I guess the roads around Oakley don't allow for infinite permutations of route.
At the end we were greeted with water, bananas, oranges and SIS energy bars - all welcome. And the hoodie is very popular - especially with my other half!
If you're training for a spring marathon then this is a good training race. The hills are challenging - but that just makes a flatter marathon that much easier.
Date of review: March 29, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: MarkHaz
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Recommended .. ideal preparation for Sping marathons
In full: Organisation very good. Lots of marshalls & plenty of water stations. I arrived early so no problems with car parking. I ran the last mile as warm up so knew what to expect but a re-think of the last mile / finish would be worthwhile. Hoody a nice change and a nice colour - will definitely get used. Highly recommended as part of build up to a Spring marathon or simply a race in itself. Well done Bedford Harriers
Date of review: March 29, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: Graham McCarthy 2
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Great pre-marathon race
In full: A great pre-marathon race to test your pacing. Gently undulating (there are no proper hills), nice senic route. Great marshalls and plenty of water stations. Well organised by Beford Harrier - love the hoody
Date of review: March 29, 2010
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